Blog

Uniting for Hope: Home Furniture Plus Bedding's 8-Year Ongoing Collaboration with St. Jude Monday, April 1, 2024

Home Furniture Plus Bedding’s commitment to supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has been a cornerstone of our company's values for years. As we step into 2024, we're thrilled to continue this meaningful partnership and embark on another journey of hope and compassion.

For eight years, Home Furniture has proudly stood by St. Jude, contributing to their mission of advancing cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases. Our dedication to this cause has only strengthened over time, as we witness the incredible impact of St. Jude's life-saving work.

During this April, we're excited to kick off another chapter of collaboration with St. Jude. As part of our fundraising efforts, we are collecting donations for St. Jude through employee's volunteer payroll deductions along with extending donation opportunities to guests who visit our stores, providing them with a chance to contribute to this important cause.

We had the honor of representing Home Furniture Plus Bedding at St. Jude's 28th Annual Dream Home event as the staging sponsor and we were given the opportunity to sign the floor alongside a verse, adding a special meaning to the home for its future owner.

Together, with the support of our community, we're determined to continue bringing hope to families in need and making a meaningful difference. We're grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a worthy cause and look forward to the journey ahead.

Spreading Smiles and Good Vibes: Home Furniture Plus Bedding Welcomes Live Oak Elementary Back to School! Wednesday, August 23, 2023

At Home Furniture Plus Bedding, we believe that a warm and welcoming environment plays a crucial role in setting the tone for a successful academic journey. That's why we were thrilled to join forces with Live Oak Elementary in Lafayette to spread smiles and good vibes as they kick off the school year!

Furnishing a Brighter Future: Stuff the Bus Back-to-School Community Event Wednesday, August 23, 2023

As the summer sun begins to wane and the scent of freshly sharpened pencils fills the air, it's evident that the back-to-school season is upon us. In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, this annual transition from carefree days to structured learning is not only marked by the excitement of new beginnings but also by a heartwarming display of our community support. The Home Furniture Plus Bedding stores in Baton Rouge have once again showcased our commitment to education and the well-being of local students through the Annual Stuff The Bus School Supply Drive.

Cultivating a Thriving Environment
The event, which captured the attention of both young and old, embodied the spirit of giving back and creating positive change. Together with Baton Rouge’s ABC television affiliate, Channel 2 WBRZ, our Home Furniture Plus Bedding team orchestrated a remarkable initiative that saw a school bus filled not with passengers, but with a bounty of school supplies. From notebooks to crayons, backpacks to calculators, the Baton Rouge community rallied together to ensure that every student embarks on the upcoming school year fully equipped for success.


Uniting for Education
The outpouring of support from our community was nothing short of astounding, painting a vivid picture of unity and compassion. We express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every person who contributed, recognizing that your efforts will make a significant impact on the lives of countless young learners. This demonstration of kindness not only equips students with the tools they need to learn but also sends a powerful message that our community believes in their potential and is invested in their future.

Equipping for Success
The success of the Stuff The Bus School Supply Drive underscores the importance of fostering a culture of support and nurturing the growth of the next generation. It's more than just providing supplies; it's about instilling confidence and showing students that our community stands by them as they embark on their educational journey. This event exemplifies our Home Furniture Plus Bedding stores' commitment to not only furnishing homes but also cultivating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.


Inspiring through Action
Witnessing our community come together in such a profound way serves as a reminder that collective action can create transformative change. Education is the cornerstone of a brighter future, and our involvement in this event exemplifies our dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of Baton Rouge's students.

Believing in Potential
As the school year begins and students step into their classrooms, the impact of this event will be felt in their confident strides, eager smiles, and the knowledge that our community believes in their potential. Our team's commitment to supporting education resonates not only in our products but also in our actions, setting an inspiring example for other businesses to follow.

Nurturing Bright Futures
With hearts warmed by the success of the Annual Stuff The Bus School Supply Drive, the Baton Rouge community can eagerly anticipate more upcoming events and initiatives from Home Furniture Plus Bedding. As we continue to strive towards creating a better tomorrow, it's clear that our dedication to education and bright futures remains steadfast. After all, when a community comes together to uplift its youngest members, the possibilities for positive change are truly boundless.

#HomeFurnishestheFuture

Empowering Education: Home Furniture Plus Bedding Supports Students at Back-to-School Health Fair Monday, August 21, 2023

In a heartwarming display of community engagement, Home Furniture Plus Bedding proudly participated in the Nederland ISD Back to School Health Fair. As a company deeply committed to supporting our community's future, this event marked yet another impactful initiative to provide essential resources to students. With the collaborative efforts of local businesses, Home Furniture Plus Bedding took part in a meaningful endeavor that brought smiles to the faces of around 400 students and their families.

Supporting Education, One Student at a Time

At Home Furniture Plus Bedding, we recognize that education forms the bedrock of a prosperous society. The Back to School Health Fair served as a platform for us to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation. With a firm belief that every student deserves the tools to succeed, we joined forces with other local businesses to ensure that young minds are equipped for academic excellence.

Setting Up for Success

The event was a testament to the power of collaboration and community spirit. Our team members set up an inviting booth at the fair, adorned with a variety of essential school supplies. From notebooks and pens to erasers and more, each item was thoughtfully selected to alleviate the burden on students and their families as they prepare for the upcoming school year.

Bright Smiles, Bright Futures

As students and their families visited our booth, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and gratitude. It was heartening to witness the joy on the faces of young students as they received the tools they need to embark on their educational journey. The Home Furniture Plus Bedding team was there not only as representatives of our brand but also as community members dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of these students.

A Resounding Message: #HomeFurnitureGivesBack

The hashtag #HomeFurnitureGivesBack encapsulates the essence of our involvement in the Back to School Health Fair. By extending a helping hand to students in need, Home Furniture Plus Bedding amplified the collective heartbeat of the community. Our commitment to giving back is an integral part of our company's values, and this event exemplified the meaningful ways in which we aim to contribute to the growth and well-being of our society.

Home Furniture Plus Bedding's participation in the Nederland ISD Back to School Health Fair echoes our dedication to supporting the community and fostering a brighter future for students. By offering essential school supplies, we not only lighten the financial load on families but also send a powerful message that education is a priority worth investing in. As we continue our journey of empowerment, we remain steadfast in our commitment to being a beacon of support for the community we proudly serve.

Year 7 - Continuing to Make a Difference for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Sunday, June 18, 2023

"I am so proud of everyone for an amazing St. Jude Campaign! We have an awesome team at HFC!" - Jill Mills, Accounting & Home Furniture Outreach Coordinator  

Home Furniture Plus Bedding: Continuing to Make a Difference for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

When April arrives, the dedicated Home Furniture Plus Bedding team eagerly launches their annual fundraising campaign supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. This year marked another milestone as the employees surpassed all expectations, making one of the most significant donations in the history of this charitable event at Home Furniture. With unwavering enthusiasm, each employee from all locations wholeheartedly participated, rallying their customers, friends, and families from Beaumont, Texas to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to join them in bringing hope to the children of St. Jude. 

For seven consecutive years, Home Furniture's annual fundraising campaign has been a beacon of generosity, with a cumulative contribution of over $200,000 donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. This remarkable achievement stands as a testament to the compassion and dedication of the company's customers, employees, and the matching contributions from the corporate office.

On June 15, 2023, a momentous occasion unfolded at Home Furniture's Distribution Center as Andrea Courville, the Area Managing Director for the Gulf Coast of ALSAC – the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital – attended a special check presentation ceremony. Representatives from each store team alongside members of the corporate offices gathered to celebrate the incredible achievement. This year alone, the collective efforts resulted in a donation of $40,087.01 to support the vital work performed at St. Jude.

The commitment of Home Furniture Plus Bedding employees to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital remains steadfast. Their unwavering dedication shines through year after year as they continue to make a profound impact on the lives of young patients and their families. By raising funds and awareness, they ensure that St. Jude can continue to provide cutting-edge research, compassionate care, and groundbreaking treatments to children battling life-threatening illnesses.

The partnership between Home Furniture Plus Bedding and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital serves as an inspiration to the community. It reminds us of the power of collective action and the difference we can make when we come together for a worthy cause. The unwavering commitment displayed by the employees of Home Furniture Plus Bedding sets an example for businesses and individuals alike, demonstrating the importance of giving back and supporting organizations that strive to make the world a better place.

Outstanding 2022 Performances Recognized at Annual President's Club Banquet Friday, December 30, 2022 Each year an elite group of our sales associates at Home Furniture Plus Bedding earn a place in the Top 15 at the annual President’s Club Banquet. Our 2022 President’s Club recipients are recognized for achieving the highest levels of sales excellence across multiple categories. The 2022 banquet was recently held in Lafayette, Louisiana with an evening of celebration and recognition for the exceptional work our members performed. Each of our 8 stores' top performers were also recognized. Home Furniture is a Furniture Today's Top 100 Furniture Company in America for the past 15 years. Shop, save and become part of the ever-growing family of satisfied customers at any of our Home Furniture Plus Bedding locations in Baton Rouge LA, Lafayette LA, New Iberia LA, Lake Charles LA, Nederland TX, or Beaumont TX. Welcome home!

Customers, Coffee and Life Experiences: Damon West Shares His Story Sunday, October 16, 2022

September Is a Great Month to Show Your Support Wednesday, September 14, 2022

Join us in recognizing Sickle Cell Awareness Month 

Tessa Anderson understands what it is like to have 2 of her beloved family members fighting every day to stay healthy.  Tessa, who works in our accounting office in Lake Charles, LA, has dedicated much of her free time and energy to working with Sickle Cell support groups and fundraising events.  Many of Tessa's co-workers have also supported her efforts by participating in Hydration Campaigns and Walk/Run events. 

In a previous article, Tessa shared that “every now and then I get a little weak, and I get upset because I feel like we are battling it by ourselves.  It’s exciting to work for a company that does a lot for so many different causes… It makes the battle a little easier.”   

Quick Facts about Sickle Cell Disease from the CDC 

• According to the CDC, Sickle Cell Disease is a group of inherited blood disorders 
• Healthy red blood cells are round and move through blood vessels carrying oxygen throughout the body 
• In Sickle Cell Disease, the red blood cells become hard and stick and C-shaped like a ‘sickle’ 
• Sickle cells may stick in small blood vessels and block the flow of blood and oxygen 
• Sickle cell blockages cause repeated episodes of pain, organ damage, infections and even strokes 

Sickle Cell is a painful genetic blood disorder impacting more than 100,000 people in the United States. With 2.5 million carrying the trait, it is the most inherited blood disorder in America.   

Learn more about Sickle Cell Awareness Month and how you can support Tessa and other families affected by Sickle Cell Disease in your community by checking out these organizations:  

Texas
Home - Sickle Cell Association of Texas Marc Thomas Foundation (sicklecelltx.org) 

Home | Houston Sickle Cell (sicklecellhouston.org) 

About Home Furniture Plus Bedding: Home Furniture Plus Bedding is a furniture and mattress retail company that provides employment and career opportunities to over 300 dedicated employees. With 8 locations across the Gulf Coast (Baton Rouge LA, Lafayette LA, New Iberia LA, Lake Charles LA, Nederland TX and Beaumont TX), Home Furniture Plus Bedding’s Distribution Center and Main Office is in Lafayette LA.

 

Home Gives Hope to St. Jude Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Updated June 30, 2022

Home Furniture Continues to Give Hope to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 

“Thank you to everyone who put thought, energy, and creativity into this campaign! And thanks to everyone who donated! Your efforts will be a blessing to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital!"  from Jill Mills, Accounting & Home Furniture Outreach Coordinator.  

When April rolls around Jill Mills and her fellow employees at Home Furniture Plus Bedding kick off their annual St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital fundraising campaign.  This year the employees really rocked the effort by making one of the largest donations in the events history.  Each of the 8 store’s employees gave a tremendous effort and encouraged their customers, friends and families from Beaumont, Texas to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to join them in giving hope to the children of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  

These are just a few quick facts about the incredible work that St Jude does: 

• Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80% since it opened in 1962 
• St. Jude shares the breakthroughs it makes 
• Every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use the knowledge to save thousands more children 
• Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food  
• St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats, and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases 
• St Jude creates more clinical trials for cancer than any other children’s hospital and turns laboratory discoveries into lifesaving treatments that benefit patients 

Over the last 6 years, a total of $172,570.28 has been donated to St. Jude Children’s Hospital from customers, employees and company matches as part of Home Furniture’s annual fundraising campaign. On June 26, 2022, Madelyn Murphy, Development Specialist at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and a team from Home Furniture Plus Bedding participated in a virtual check presentation. The 2022 total donated was $40,007.16.

Employees of Home Furniture Plus Bedding have once again committed to supporting the incredible work performed at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

If you are interested in joining Home Furniture Plus Bedding’s efforts, visit any one of the 8 locations located in Lafayette LA, Baton Rouge LA, New Iberia LA, Lake Charles LA, Nederland TX and Beaumont TX.

#WeAreHomeFurniture, #StJude, #HomeGivesHope 

 

Home Furniture Plus Bedding Celebrates Exceptional Sales Performances for 2021 Thursday, January 27, 2022

Home Furniture Helps Future Business Grads Through Ged Fleming Endowment at UL Sunday, January 2, 2022

Home Furniture Plus Bedding Creates the George E. “Ged” Fleming Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Business

The George E. Fleming Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Business at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette grows to over $250,000 as of June 2021.

Home Furniture Plus Bedding's partnership with the University of Louisiana has allowed us to successfully memorialize Ged and carry on his legacy of success. Ged believed in the value of education and its ability to change lives forever. 

A recent recipient of UL's endowed scholarships shared the impact of the scholarships by stating: "I may never have the opporttunityto meet the donors who funded the schloarships I have received...And no matter where I go in life, I'll be walking - Together - alongside them, and I am proud to carry their legacy."

Updated 12/20/2021


“We thought it would be a wonderful way to remember him, as a local business man and supporter of education,” says Craig Holston, the HR & Safety Manager out of the Home Furniture Lafayette office.

Ged Fleming established the first Home Furniture store in Lafayette in 1972. His father had opened up the first store in Lake Charles back in 1945. Over the course of 40 years, he purchased his father’s original business and successfully expanded Home Furniture Company to eight retail stores located along the Louisiana and Texas Gulf Coast.

According to his employees and friends, Ged always held a deep and heartfelt gratitude to the 300+ employees of Home Furniture. He appreciated their hard work, sacrifices, and dedication that ultimately led to the success of his company.  As of 2019, Home Furniture Company was recognized as a “TOP 100” furniture retailer nationally by the respected trade publication Furniture for the 13th consecutive year. Ged died unexpectedly in 2012, but his wife, Karol, and his devoted employees became inspired to make his legacy live on through an endowment scholarship fund at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

“We opened the endowment up to the employees and friends to participate, and the response was overwhelming.” says Holston.

Together they created a permanent scholarship named the George E. “Ged” Fleming Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Business from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Although he was unable to achieve his college degree himself, Holston says, Ged greatly appreciated the value of education and its ability to change lives forever. 

“We funded the scholarship, and it continues to grow year after year. Actually, people can donate a percentage of their pay checks to the endowment to keep it growing, and they do.”

This endowment recently eclipsed the $150,000.00 mark and continues to grow thanks to contributions from the many employees, friends and business associates of Ged and Home Furniture Company. Junior and Senior students in UL’s B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA are eligible to apply.  Coupled with a non-endowed version of the scholarship, awards commenced with the spring 2014 semester and are granted yearly.

If you’d like to learn more about the George E. “Ged” Fleming Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Business at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, please call 337-291-7900.

The Home Team Helps "Pack the Tent" Tuesday, November 16, 2021 KPLC’s annual “Pack the Tent” event is one of our recent community outreach initiatives that raised enough funds and food donations to feed the needy in our Lake Charles area for an entire year.

Home Furniture Continues Strong Support of St. Jude Sunday, January 31, 2021 St Jude Children's Hospital is embraced by Home Furniture Plus Bedding and it's employees. Jill Mills, who manages Community Outreach for Home Furniture, organized the campaign to bring more awareness to the cause and show their support.

Home Furniture Plus Bedding is Open Sunday, April 26, 2020

We are thrilled to announce that Home Furniture Plus Bedding is open and ready to serve all of your home decorating needs! While we attend to helping you find a sofa that fits your every need or an accent piece to give your home that extra special something, we want to ensure that you, our valued customer, as well as our staff, are safe throughout your shopping experience. Allow us to tell you the steps we’re taking to comply with CDC guidelines.

Here are some guidelines for both shoppers and staff as we navigate this new normal:

● Employees must wear masks and must not report to work if they have a fever or symptoms.

● Customers must also not have symptoms and must maintain the six feet distancing mandate.

● A maximum of 25% of a building's occupancy can only be allowed in any establishment at a given time.

Aside from following CDC guidelines, we’ll be taking extra steps to sanitize our stores and follow our Cleaning Checklist:

● Clean commonly used spaces and equipment often including telephones, keyboards, counters, tablets, light switches, and door handles.

● Sanitize restrooms and breakrooms frequently and restock with supplies including soap, paper towels, and hand sanitizer.

East Texas and Louisiana Can Shop Safe with Home Furniture Plus Bedding

We can’t wait to help you find the perfect furniture and mattresses for your home – and make sure we keep you safe in the process. Visit one of our eight locations across East Texas and Louisiana today!

With the Help of a Once Homeless Man, Home Furniture Collects Backpacks for Homeless Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Home Furniture’s Beaumont location was brimming in backpacks. But not just any backpacks; these bags have a special destination: the homeless population in southeast Texas.

 

These bags were collected in conjunction with Eric Ardoin’s Warm Hands, Warms Hearts organization. Ardoin knows what people face out on the streets. He was once homeless himself. He is a recovering addict who now builds homes and looks after his fellow man.

 

Once the folks at the Beaumont location of Home Furniture heard his story, they wanted to pitch in. Their staff collected supplies and backpacks to donate to Warm Hands, Warm Hearts. Paula, Christy, Gay Lynn, and Jordan spearheaded the effort. Together they collected items like tents, sleeping bags and, of course, backpacks filled with supplies.

 

With the help of businesses like Home Furniture, Ardoin is able to visit the numerous homeless camps throughout Beaumont and deliver the items to the people in need.

 

Ardoin is encouraging Southeast Texans to help him on his mission. If you would like to donate items, you can call Ardoin at (409) 499-7791 or just drop tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, coats, gloves or toiletries to Ardoin's house at 2655 Harrison Street in Beaumont's Old Town.

Home Furniture Supports March of Dimes and Donates Thousands to Help Premature Babies Sunday, January 13, 2019

“It was five weeks before delivery, and they were like, ‘We have to deliver now.’ When she came out, of course she was little, she was 4lb, 6oz.”

 

Tammy Louis, a cashier at the Baton Rouge Home Furniture Plus Bedding location, has firsthand experience with March of Dimes. When her daughter was born prematurely, she wanted to give back to the organization that supported her during those first scary moments.

 

“As they started to assess her and tried to feed her, she wouldn’t take the bottle. They had to rush her to the NICU.”

 

Louis says March of Dimes was there for her family. The organization advocates for policies to protect mothers and premature babies. They have pioneered research to find solutions and empower families with the knowledge and tools to have healthier pregnancies.

 

“March of Dimes is willing to help and donate to the NICU,” explains Louis. “Being a part of Home Furniture, I think it is very important that we donate to March of Dimes.”

 

In March of 2016, employees, customers and the company itself donated over $5,000 to support premature babies and their families. For 80 years, March of Dimes has helped millions of babies survive and thrive. The organization works to level the playing field for all moms and babies, no matter their age, socio-economic background or demographics.

 

“It helps out parents such as myself who have gone through a lot more than I have. It helps them with the process of their babies being in the NICU,” says Louis.

Home Furniture Distribution Center Employee Finds a New Hobby Running Marathons Tuesday, January 8, 2019

“My son is a runner, and he said ‘Dad you should do this too’ and I did. I’ve run two so far. It’s a lot of training, but I enjoy it.”

 

Al Ryder’s most recent marathon was in Mount Airy, North Carolina in the Mayberry Half-Marathon. Running is a hobby the distribution center employee recently picked up. It’s allowed him to travel to North Carolina, but the former Marine has worked his way around the world.

 

“I joined the Marines Corp in 1969,” says Al, “I guess I was stationed in about 10 places.”

 

He added that Japan and Norway were two of his favorite stops, “The Northern lights are real pretty, but it’s a lot of snow.”

 

He was eventually sent to New Orleans, as a helicopter crew chief, and from there he moved to Lafayette. The Monroe native, who achieved a Sergeant Major rank, was happy to be back in his home state.

 

“I lived all over the world, did all kinds of neat stuff, and I retired in1994,” says Al.

 

Al has been with Home Furniture for 12 years and jokes he actually came with the warehouse that is now the Distribution Center.

 

“Well I was working at the Auto Zone Distribution Center when it was sold to Home Furniture. I was helping close things up and they asked if I wanted to stay on. They joke a lot of times that I came with the building. I mean that was the greatest thing that could have happened to me.”

 

He says working for the company is wonderful. He likes how involved they are in the community, and loves what he gets to tackle day to day.

 

“Every day is something different. It’s really busy, and I do a variety of things. I take care of all the power industrial equipment, whatever it takes to keep us going,” explains Al.

 

Together he and his wife of 49 years, Phyllis, have 3 children, 2 sons and a daughter that is now deceased and 6 grandchildren. 

Home Furniture Hosts Hydration Campaign to Help Sickle Cell Anemia Patients Tuesday, January 1, 2019

“Growing up I couldn’t do a lot of what other kids could, like play sports. I wanted to play basketball, but I couldn’t because my mom was afraid of what would happen in the process.”

Jacorion Anderson is the son of Tessa Anderson, who works in the accounting office for Home Furniture. He is also a Sickle Cell Anemia patient. Sickle Cell Anemia is a blood cell disorder and is incurable. His brother, Zhaire, also suffers from Sickle Cell Anemia - two teenagers in one family fighting every day to stay healthy.

“Every now and then I get a little weak,and I get upset because I feel like we are battling it by ourselves,” says Tessa. “It’s exciting to work for a company that does a lot for so many different causes, but to be a part of and be experiencing this particular cause and to have my Home Furniture family support me in that feels really good. It makes the battle a little bit easier.”

Tessa reached out to her Home Furniture family about the struggles all Sickle Cell patients face, especially with hydration. She mentioned her support group hosts water and Powerade drives because “it is imperative that those with the disease stay hydrated and their electrolytes be replenished.”

“If you’re outside and can’t get to water, you could pass out and probably not wake up,” says Jacorion.

After receiving the letter from Tessa, Home Furniture sprang into action. The company decided to do a hydration campaign to offer support.

“We try to do campaigns that have a personal connection to our employees.  We want them to know that HFC cares about them personally and professionally,” says Jill Mills, Home Furniture’s Community Project Organizer.

The Anderson family certainly felt the support. They had already been through so much including a stroke, surgery, and multiple blood transfusions, all in order to stay ahead of the disease.

“I would like to say thank you for all of your support in helping us fight this battle,” said Jacorion.

Home Furniture Supports Flood and Hurricane Victims Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Hurricane Harvey wreaked havoc on the Texas Coast, dumping more than 50 inches of rain in parts of the Houston area. Thousands were flooded out of their homes and more than 80 people were killed.  The devastation in August of 2017 was swift, and the recovery is still ongoing a year later.

As of last month, 15 percent of homes damaged or destroyed by the storm are still unlivable. People lost everything, including beds and furniture. That’s where Home Furniture stepped in. The company and its Texas-based employees managed to donate $100,000 in mattresses so the victims could start rebuilding their lives.

They also provided cleaning supplies and other essentials to fellow employees who had flood damage.

Home Furniture joined companies around the country in offering funds, goods, and their own employees and offices to help with disaster relief. Corporate donations surpassed $200 million as the business community came together in support.

Home Furniture is no stranger to helping flood victims. Just the year before in August of 2016, much of Louisiana was under water.  Historic floods devastated parts of south Louisiana after a slow-moving system dumped more than 20 inches of rain from Baton Rouge to Acadiana.

East Baton Rouge, Ascension, Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes saw the most widespread flooding. In all, it's estimated that 50,000 to 75,000 structures flooded, according to the National Weather Service, and 13 people died in the flood.

During that disaster, Home Furniture donated supplies and essentials to employees facing the brunt of the storm. They then donated $100,000 worth of mattresses to those in need.

The company chooses projects that impact the entire community they serve. With the support of their employees, they are truly making a difference.

Home Furniture: The Story of Our Culture Sunday, December 16, 2018

“We put the customer and our employees first, that’s how it’s always been.” – Larry Dominque, Beaumont Home Furniture location.

 

Larry Domingue has been with Home Furniture for 23 years, so he knows what he’s talking about. He describes a culture that centers around service, and family, and a true commitment to each other and to the customer. Everything thing else springs from there.

 

“I did an employee walk-through not that long ago, and one of the people couldn’t believe our CEO was down here in the warehouse just talking and checking things out. They were blown away,” says Larry.

 

Most people are blown away when they see for themselves the company culture at Home Furniture. People describe it as “the greatest company to work for” and that there really is “an open-door policy,” from the people at the top on down.

 

One sales associate in the New Iberia location says he is constantly impressed with how the mangers back up promises made to the customers. The emphasis is always on how they can improve the furniture buying and owning experience for the people spending their hard-earned cash in one of their stores.

 

“We really want to build our employees so they can take care of the customer,” explains Larry.

 

He went on to say they focus on their people, even if it means they may spread their wings one day and fly off to another job at another company. While they’re here they’re number one.

 

“We have people that come back and thank us for the atmosphere and how we gave them a start. College kids that started in the warehouse want to come back after a few years and shake your hand.”

 

That type of attitude is unique to find in a company as large as Home Furniture. Home Furniture has six stores throughout South Louisiana and two in Texas. What could become cumbersome for a company their size is second nature to Home Furniture.

 

They Treat everyone well from the warehouse worker to the sales associate to the customer emulating a true sense of duty to each other and everyone who walks through the door. The rewards run deep when everyone is family.